Day 1

Esperanza Rising Lesson Plan

Discussion of Thought Questions

1

What significance do you think the prologue might have? Continue to think about what Papa tells Esperanza about their land as you read on.

(5)

The land below them is described as a living, breathing thing. Students should recognize that Esperanza’s connection to the earth is something important to her, and something she’ll continue to seek even after she leaves El Rancho de las Rosas. They should realize that her connection to the land is not only about her physical home where she grew up but about the idea of home that travels with her even as she leaves one physical place behind. Further, they should note that Papa’s idea to listen for the earth’s heartbeat has special importance...